Washington Capitals vs New Jersey Devils 17 October 2026 Prediction

After a 5-4 win over Montreal, the Washington Capitals host another Eastern Conference opponent, the New Jersey Devils. New Jersey has struggled so far but has earned six points, and Washington should not expect an easy game.

Washington Needs to Improve

Washington recently lost consecutive games to Seattle (5-3) and Carolina (4-2) before beating Montreal (5-4). Spencer Carbery’s team scored in every period against the Canadiens and finished with five goals despite generating about three expected goals.

Washington’s offense has been productive overall. The Capitals average 3.4 goals per game and have scored fewer than two goals only twice this season. Their power play has been less effective, converting 15.8% of its chances.

Washington Capitals Predicted Lineup: Lindgren (Thompson) — Chychrun, Liljegren — Tuck, Strome, Kyrou

Full roster: Defensemen — Fehervary, Desharnais, Hutson, Hall; forwards — Ovechkin, I. Protas, Miroshnichenko, A. Protas, Sourdif, Wilson, Beauvillier, Jenner, Leonard

Injury report: Sandin, Roy (both out); Dubois (questionable)

Manager: Spencer Carbery

New Jersey Has Been Inconsistent

New Jersey is averaging one point per game, leaving it outside the playoff spots. The Devils score 2.7 goals per game but have been held to one goal or fewer twice. In a 4-1 loss to Ottawa, they scored on just 3% of their shots and did not find the net until the final five minutes.

New Jersey earned its first road win of the season against Detroit, winning 5-4 in overtime. The Devils scored five times and took only one penalty. Jack Hughes scored the overtime winner.

New Jersey Devils Predicted Lineup: Allen (Daws) — L. Hughes, Pesce — Gritsyuk, J. Hughes, Bratt

Full roster: Defensemen — Siegenthaler, Hamilton, Chisholm, Kovacevic; forwards — Meier, Hischier, Mercer, Mantha, Rodrigues, Noesen, Lombardi, Glass, Boqvist

Out: Casey, Bjugstad, Evangelista, Brown (all injured)

Manager: Sheldon Keefe

Home Teams Won Both Recent Meetings

The teams traded home wins in the spring. New Jersey won the most recent meeting 7-3 after scoring three goals in the first period. Washington held a 32-30 edge in shots on goal but had a 9.4% shooting percentage, compared with New Jersey’s 23.3%.

Key Stats

New Jersey generates 3.7 expected goals per game, third-most in the league.

Washington averages 4.7 penalties per game; only two teams take more.

The Devils lead the league with 35.7 shots on goal per game.

Washington Capitals vs New Jersey Devils Prediction: Washington Capitals to Win

Main pick: Washington has won four of its last six meetings with New Jersey. The Capitals have also won five of their last six home games, including preseason games. The Devils have been less reliable on the road and recently suffered a lopsided loss to the Islanders. Pick: Washington Capitals to win. A higher-risk correct-score pick is 4-3.

Goals pick: Four of Washington’s last seven games and two of New Jersey’s last four have featured at least seven goals. The teams combined for 10 goals in their most recent meeting. Pick: Over 6.5 goals.